Opening Day Approaches for Iowa Dove Hunters
OutdoorHub 08.23.11
Iowa hunters break new ground September 1, with the opening day of mourning dove season. Pursuing the most plentiful game bird in North America, Iowa joins 40 other states this year, with its 70 day season and abundant doves migrating through.
And while plenty of hunters will be concealed in field edges or adjacent crop rows, newcomers will find it a learning experience as the quick, acrobatic game bird gives them a scant second or two to lock in and shoot.
“For a successful dove hunt, follow their flight lines,” recommends Randy Cook, a veteran dove hunter. “Doves have certain areas they pass through. It’s very similar to…waterfowl hunting; where you ‘pass shoot,’ with birds flying from Point A to Point B. Mourning doves, typically, will move that way.”
Cook has hunted doves across country and looks forward to traveling a few minutes, instead of a few hours to pursue doves. The Iowa Legislature approved the mourning dove as a game bird this past session. The state’s Natural Resource Commission followed with establishment of the season, bag limits and the inclusion of similar-looking Eurasian collared doves as legal game. Rules requiring non-toxic shot were approved—then delayed—but the season opens a half hour before dawn, September 1.
Though mourning doves are highly visible year round; first year hunting could be a challenge. Preferred feeding areas are bare ground, with abundant, loose seed. Sunflower plantings; also winter wheat and millet are prime dove food sources. However, with late approval of the legislation, there was not much time to get much of that planted. Hunters will need to scout around to find the best places.
“The best thing a hunter can do is call their local DNR manager and ask what they’ve done on their wildlife areas,” suggests Mark McInroy, DNR upland game research technician. “They are not going to be right next to a road, or a parking lot. You might have to walk in a quarter mile, but all you will be carrying is your gun and a five-gallon bucket.”
Every DNR wildlife management district planted dove ‘food plots’ on their public land. In the countdown to the season, they worked to get those standing crops down, to provide the bare terrain…and scattered seed…doves prefer. Some private food plots were planted, too.
Even without a dedicated plot, hunters should look for any area that offers concealment for them and small grains or weed seed, water or grit for the mourning doves.
And once the shooting starts…keep it close.
“If you are just starting, stay with a fairly open choke; improved cylinder, and keep your shots at 20 to 25 yards,” urges Cook. “You can practice all you want with clay targets, but gravity eventually slows them down. Doves will still accelerate while in flight. It’s a challenge.”
It’s also a great family event. Young and old hunters alike can take part. Extensive walking, stalking or flushing your quarry is not needed. The basics focus on getting in place, and observing for the fast moving quarry to zip by.
Provided by Joe Wilkinson, Iowa DNR.
